Page 62 - Masthead - Salcombe Yacht Club 2019 Yearbook

60 SYC Stories
Estuary Swim
The annual Town Regatta swim across the Estuary from Smalls Beach to the Bakerswell Slip at SYC is a sight to see. The start timed precisely so that the 500 swimmers sway gently inshore before the changing tide starts swooshing people in the seaward direction. The RNLI are on hand to make sure everyone arrives safely.
The warm hospitality of bacon rolls and hot chocolate, and a hot shower is welcome.
The Wanderers
17 Wanderers from as far afield as Cumberland, Lancashire, Hertfordshire, and the Thames Valley brought five of their boats to Salcombe at the end of September for their annual Salcombe Laidback Weekend.
After a Friday night supper in the Victoria Inn, on the Saturday morning they cruised the creeks, had their own leisurely race start at 2.30pm, before tucking into a hearty meal cooked by Stew and served by Jay and the team in The Chart Room.
The following day the Wanderers floated down from Batson for a short blast beyond The Bar before coming ashore at The Winking Prawn for lunch. Slowly, very slowly, the Wanderers made their way back up the estuary in virtually nil wind and a foul tide. We have
all been there... and we will be back again next year, thanks to the encouragement and support of SYC.
Philip Meadowcroft
Sonia Parkinson fondly remembered 1928-2018
Having just past her ninetieth birthday Honorary Life Member Sonia will be forever remembered at SYC and leaves a remarkable legacy. Sonia was a historian even from the age of about six. History was her favourite subject at school going on to complete a Degree and PHD. Sonia had a gift and used it so well firmly making her mark in Salcombe not only in the Yacht Club history but extensively at Holy Trinity Church Salcombe too.
As the Centenary of SYC approached Sonia was asked to document the history of the Club. A task which she wholeheartedly embraced and completed wonderfully. Together with her husband and First Lieutenant research assistant of over 63 years, Brian Parkinson, admits they became rather proficient at looking into registers, dates and names searching for valuable historical details. Brian himself helped in the Watch House for over 17 years. Never missing a Saturday afternoon Race with the likes
of Pete and Audrey Petit with Brian even sharing his 70th Birthday Cake on duty in the Watch House. Happy days to remember...